Galactose - the special sugar

Sugar is the most important source of energy for the human body. The organism likes to make use of different types: glucose (grape sugar), maltose and lactose are well known - but there is another one that has very special properties.

What is galactose?

Galactose, also known as galactose, is a naturally occurring chemical compound. This type of sugar is found in the mucous membranes of most living organisms and only plays a role in the D-form as D-galactose and not in the L-form. So when we talk about galactose, we always mean D-galactose. It belongs to the group of simple sugars, also known as monosaccharides, which also includes glucose.

What is the difference to glucose?

Both sugars belong to the chemical group of simple sugars and are otherwise very similar in their structure. They only differ in one small detail: one hydroxyl group is inverted. However, this difference in shape is the reason why galactose - unlike glucose - can be utilised independently of the hormone insulin.

What other types of sugar are there?

In addition to glucose and galactose, fructose, also known as fruit sugar, is also one of the so-called simple sugars. Monosaccharides, especially glucose, are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore supply the brain with the energy it needs in a timely manner. However, this also means that just as much insulin is released. This in turn means that an energy high is followed by an energy low. Glucose is mainly found in foods such as dried fruit and other confectionery. Fructose is mainly found in foods such as honey or fruit.

There are also the so-called disaccharides maltose and lactose. These types of sugar contain more complex molecules that must first be broken down by the body before they can provide energy and have an effect. Maltose consists of two glucose molecules and is found in food such as potatoes or pasta. The milk sugar lactose, on the other hand, is made up of one glucose and one galactose molecule. Lactose is mainly found in dairy products, including yoghurt, cream cheese, cream - and of course milk. Quite a few people suffer from lactose intolerance, as the enzyme lactase is required to break it down, which those affected lack.

If you eat a balanced and varied diet with healthy foods, you should be able to cover your requirements for various sugars through your diet. Of course, the situation is different if someone suffers from a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes or lactose intolerance. In these cases, the diet should be adapted to the metabolism. In the case of diabetes, for example, it is advisable to eat a high-fibre diet, as fibre ensures that the blood sugar level rises more slowly overall. People who suffer from lactose intolerance should ideally avoid milk and other dairy products altogether.

How does galactose work?

The substance is found in the scaffolding substance of cells and ensures both stability in the cells and the transmission of signals between the individual cells. It is vital for the transmission of signals between cells and organs or the brain to function properly. D-galactose is able to transmit signals from the body's electricity. In a study involving animal experiments, it was shown that the substance can also protect against degenerative diseases such as dementia [1,2].

What is galactose good for?

It is primarily considered an "energy donor" for the brain and its effect on signal transmission, including protection against Alzheimer's, dementia and depression, has been confirmed in animal studies [1,2]. This type of sugar is also suitable for diabetics (see below for more information).

How is galactose metabolised?

The sugar is absorbed through food and then enters the intestine. There it is actively absorbed and finally transported to the liver via the blood. In the liver, it is converted into glycogen by various enzymes. Glycogen, in turn, consists of several glucose monomers that can be stored in cells - mainly in the liver - in the short to medium term and thus serve as a source of energy.

What exactly is the metabolic disorder galactosaemia?

Some people have a disease that causes the body to be unable to utilise D-galactose. The cause is a defective protein or the complete absence of a certain enzyme in the body. This disease is called galactosaemia, which literally means "too much galactose in the blood". Galactosaemia is congenital and cannot be cured. The consumption of galactose leads to a build-up of metabolites that cause long-term damage to the liver, kidneys and brain. People with galactosaemia must pay strict attention to their diet throughout their lives and avoid foods containing galactose. However, galactosaemia is very rare.

Why do people with diabetes take galactose?

Studies have come to the conclusion that the intake of D-galactose can have a positive effect on diabetes and that the monosaccharide can serve as an alternative energy source to glucose for diabetics. In diabetes, not enough glucose is transported to the cells, which causes a state of hunger. As galactose is not dependent on insulin, the simple sugar can remedy this condition, as galactose is converted into glucose in the enzymes of the pancreas [3]. Unlike glucose, D-galactose does not have to be metabolised with the help of the hormone insulin, but is transported directly to the cell via an insulin-independent sugar transporter. Diabetics benefit from this property [4].

How healthy is galactose?

Galactose has been shown to have a therapeutic effect, particularly in the case of brain function disorders such as Alzheimer's disease [5]. This is because dementia is caused by a dysfunction of the insulin receptor system, which means that the brain cells are no longer supplied with sufficient glucose and therefore no longer supplied with energy. Galactose is therefore an alternative source of energy. Galactose can also have a prebiotic effect, as it is one of the oligosaccharides that help to promote the growth of microflora in the gut [6].

Which foods contain galactose?

Different foods contain different amounts of galactose: dark chocolate (56 mg/100 g), buttermilk (52.6 mg/100 g), papaya (28 mg/100 g), tomatoes (23 mg/100 g), milk (23 mg/100 g), soya sauce (21 mg/100 g), watermelon (15 mg/100 g), dates (11.5 mg/100 g) and bananas (9.2 mg/100 g).

How should D-galactose be taken?

D-galactose supplements should be taken approximately one and a half hours before or after a meal. At these times, the insulin level is in a kind of resting state and galactose powder can best develop its effect. Dietary supplements with D-galactose can be swallowed as capsules with sufficient water or stirred into teas or water in powder form.

Sources:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29129736/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24055495/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8246770/
[4] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/290809
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32360636/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28207812/

Matching Products

D (+) galactose (250 g)

Small difference, big effectD-galactose has many important functions in the human body. For example, it is an indispensable building material for body cell walls and is part of many proteins, so-called glycoproteins. The difference between galactose and glucose is small - only one hydroxy group is arranged in the mirror image. But this supposedly small deviation makes a big difference: It allows sugar to cross cell membranes even where otherwise insulin-dependent transport would fail. In the cell, galactose is then immediately converted to glucose. This property makes galactose particularly interesting for people who suffer from impaired insulin receptor function, because "mirror-inverted" sugar can counteract the energy deficit in cells. This is important because poor glucose metabolism has negative effects on nerve cells because not enough neurotransmitters can be produced. In addition, galactose is also suitable for people with milk sugar intolerance (lactose intolerance), in whom the enzyme lactase no longer properly breaks down lactose into galactose and glucose. Here, high-purity galactose is an effective alternative so that it can still enjoy its physiological benefits because enzymatic metabolism is bypassed by lactase. Result: Galactose is available to the body directly and without detours. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Take 2 x 1 heaped scoop (1 heaped scoop = 6 g) daily between meals with tea or water. The interval between meals should be at least one hour. Important information Do not consume if you suffer from galactose dysfunction (galactosemia).The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with high purity (D+) galactose D (+) galactose Ingredients NUTRITIONAL VALUES PER 100 g PER 6 g Calorific value kJ (kcal) 1700 (400) 102 (24.36) Fat 0g 0g of which saturated fatty acids 0 g 0 g Carbohydrates 100 g 6 g of which sugar 99 g 5.94 g Fibre 0 g 0 g Protein 0 g 0 g

Content: 0.25 Kilogramm (€143.60* / 1 Kilogramm)

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D (+) galactose (500 g)

Small difference, big effect D-galactose has many important functions in the human body. For example, it is an indispensable building material for body cell walls and is part of many proteins, so-called glycoproteins. The difference between galactose and glucose is small - only one hydroxy group is arranged in the mirror image. But this supposedly small deviation makes a big difference: It allows sugar to cross cell membranes even where otherwise insulin-dependent transport would fail. In the cell, galactose is then immediately converted to glucose. This property makes galactose particularly interesting for people who suffer from impaired insulin receptor function, because "mirror-inverted" sugar can counteract the energy deficit in cells. This is important because poor glucose metabolism has negative effects on nerve cells because not enough neurotransmitters can be produced. In addition, galactose is also suitable for people with milk sugar intolerance (lactose intolerance), in whom the enzyme lactase no longer properly breaks down lactose into galactose and glucose. Here, high-purity galactose is an effective alternative so that it can still enjoy its physiological benefits because enzymatic metabolism is bypassed by lactase. Result: Galactose is available to the body directly and without detours. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Take 2 x 1 heaped scoop (1 heaped scoop = 6 g) daily between meals with tea or water. The interval between meals should be at least one hour. Important information Do not consume if you suffer from galactose dysfunction (galactosemia).The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with high purity (D+) galactose D (+) galactose Ingredients NUTRITIONAL VALUES PER 100 g PER 6 g Calorific value kJ (kcal) 1700 (400) 102 (24.36) Fat 0g 0g of which saturated fatty acids 0 g 0 g Carbohydrates 100 g 6 g of which sugar 99 g 5.94 g Fibre 0 g 0 g Protein 0 g 0 g

Content: 0.5 Kilogramm (€119.80* / 1 Kilogramm)

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D (+) galactose twinpack (1000 g)

Small difference, big effect D-galactose has many important functions in the human body. For example, it is an indispensable building material for body cell walls and is part of many proteins, so-called glycoproteins. The difference between galactose and glucose is small - only one hydroxy group is arranged in the mirror image. But this supposedly small deviation makes a big difference: It allows sugar to cross cell membranes even where otherwise insulin-dependent transport would fail. In the cell, galactose is then immediately converted to glucose. This property makes galactose particularly interesting for people who suffer from impaired insulin receptor function, because "mirror-inverted" sugar can counteract the energy deficit in cells. This is important because poor glucose metabolism has negative effects on nerve cells because not enough neurotransmitters can be produced. In addition, galactose is also suitable for people with milk sugar intolerance (lactose intolerance), in whom the enzyme lactase no longer properly breaks down lactose into galactose and glucose. Here, high-purity galactose is an effective alternative so that it can still enjoy its physiological benefits because enzymatic metabolism is bypassed by lactase. Result: Galactose is available to the body directly and without detours. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Take 2 x 1 heaped scoop (1 heaped scoop = 6 g) daily between meals with tea or water. The interval between meals should be at least one hour. Important information Do not consume if you suffer from galactose dysfunction (galactosemia).The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with high purity (D+) galactose D (+) galactose Ingredients NUTRITIONAL VALUES PER 100 g PER 6 g Calorific value kJ (kcal) 1700 (400) 102 (24.36) Fat 0g 0g of which saturated fatty acids 0 g 0 g Carbohydrates 100 g 6 g of which sugar 99 g 5.94 g Fibre 0 g 0 g Protein 0 g 0 g

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